NORTHFIELD--State Senator Jim Whelan will be in the Meadowlands tomorrow for the second of three summits dealing with the state's struggling gaming and horse industries.

"I'm hopeful that we'll get past we want slots in the Meadowlands. And focus on things that will happen in the near term," said Sen. Whelan.

The failed Xanadu project, a massive entertainment complex in North Jersey, is also part of the discussion.

Governor Chris Christie opposes slots and video lottery terminals at horse racing tracks.

"It's not going to happen anytime soon. So let's get over that and let's focus on what we need to do to help Xanadu an unfinished project similar to Revel, to get across the finish line and what we need to do get the horse racing industry thriving in New Jersey," said Sen. Whelan.

But Assemblyman John Amodeo says these summits are nothing more than a distraction.

"It's sort of creating a divide between North Jersey and South Jersey instead of us attacking the issue and trying to make policy that's going to work both for the horse racing industry and the gaming industry," said Assemblyman Amodeo.

Senator Whelan says John Hanson will be at the 3rd and final summit in Monmouth later this month. Hanson wrote the state report on gaming and entertainment, which provides a framework on turning around the two industries.

"Their mission was not to get into the details, that's our job frankly. And that's what we are doing. He can provide an overview of why they made the recommendations that they did. Why they think it's in NJ best interest, not just Atlantic County or Atlantic City, to keep the concentration of casinos in Atlantic City," said Sen. Whelan.

Sen. Whelan also wants to know what state legislators can do to help the horse racing industry and the Meadowlands get across the finish line.